[calicpa]

I am going to japan to attend language school and travel and just have fun after I complete passing the exam. I was wondering how would working for a big 4 or other big accounting firm in japan look when I came back? Do you think people wont be interested because my experience isn’t within the states? or it doesn’t matter because big 4 is big 4. My co worker said international public accounting experience would look good on your resume.

BEC - 84, 4/6/13
AUD - 77, 5/28/13
REG - 83, 4/12/14
FAR - 83, 10/3/13

Ethics - 90% 4/24/13

150 unit education requirement met!
Work experience met!

[Mayo]

In what capacity would you be working? Internship? Full time?

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[jeff]

Cal – please capitalize the first letter of your posts … it's driving my OCD insane. 🙂

[calicpa]

@Jeff Haha, ok no problem!

@Mayo It would be full-time. I already have experience in a CPA firm and if all goes as planned I will be licensed when I am there.

BEC - 84, 4/6/13
AUD - 77, 5/28/13
REG - 83, 4/12/14
FAR - 83, 10/3/13

Ethics - 90% 4/24/13

150 unit education requirement met!
Work experience met!

[ti807910]

Keep in mind the following is purely speculative/my opinion. I've never worked overseas.

1. One thing to keep in mind is if you work in Japan, you will be working in Japan GAAP, which I think is similar to IFRS. Just keep in mind that if you want to come back to the States, we work in US GAAP. Your IFRS would be great for big international clients but a smaller firm probably wouldn't have a lot of those. If you want to stay in Big 4, it would probably be a plus. Being proficient in another language would help too, I think.

2. Do you plan on using your CPA in Japan? I have never worked out of the country but I think you'd need the IFRS equivalent.

3. Keep in mind that Japan has a REALLY hardcore work ethic. They are one of the most depressed countries in the world, with very high suicide rates, and even have a word for working to death, “karoshi”, where people literally have died from exhaustion/stress from overwork. It sounds like you want a fun experience and maybe Japan's corporate environment is not what you are looking for.

FAR: 72, 68, 73, 78 (passed)
REG: 61, 70, 73, 63, 78 (passed)
AUD: 65, 84 (passed)
BEC: 89 (passed)

NASBA gave Doby a passing score, Doby is freeee!!

[Mayo]

Well I think it would look good. I think this is what is working for you:

-I would imagine you'd have access to recruiters once you come back to the states

-You have previous CPA firm experience.

-First year experience is less about accounting knowledge and more about being an auditor. In other words, learning to use PY work papers, follow instructions, perform testing, documenting your work, communicate with clients, and manage your time and work flow. So that type of experience will be applicable at any Big 4 IMO.

-You weren't clear, but I assume you'll be a licensed CPA when you come back. If so, it's a huge plus.

So I think your chances are very high. I also expect need for experienced hires will be pretty high when you come back. I,think as long as you're flexible in choosing where you want to live, it won't be extremely hard to find a position.

In terms of international auditing experience, I think it's worth mentioning one thing: US auditing is probably better experience than other types of auditing if you're looking to work in the US.

I think people forget how unique SOX and the SEC requirements are. The people I've spoken to who have worked in the US on a rotation always comment how little internal control testing they do back in their country. They basically kill every account with tons of substantive testing.

Also, being familiar with the requirements of public company financial reporting isn't necessarily something you'll get with an international experience. So I would say US experience trumps international experience by itself if you're looking for a position in the US. However, a combo of both, and working for an multinational company (think Coca Cola) is probably the best background.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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